Cloud Forest

While I was in Costa Rica I had the opportunity to go hiking through a cloud forest. Unlike the typical rainforest that you learn about in school where it rains all the time, the cloud forest has constant fog and mist that provides the needed water to the vegetation. Trees in a cloud forest are shorter and have more limbs than in a lower tropical rainforest and produce fewer types of flora.

Cloud forests can be found at altitudes from 500 to 4000m and make up 1% of the global woodland. Since I was visiting Costa Rica in August which is part of the rainy season, the air was saturated with moisture. The average rainfall in Costa Rica during August is around 10 1/2 inches with max rainfall in the month of October with 13 inches. Due to the high moisture in the ground and minimum sunlight coming through the trees, the soil is very acidic making it prime for different types of trees and plants.

Here are some different pictures that I took during the hike. I don't know too much about trees so if you happen to know what some of them are please feel free to comment. 

A natural spring that I drank from; it is supposed to add 30 minutes to your life.

Vine with small red flowers

Monkey Tail Plant,
not to be confused with the monkey tail tree of New Zealand

Bridge over the river

Have you ever been to a cloud forest or a rainforest before? What sort of plants and flowers did you see there?

Flowers of Costa Rica

I recently came back from a trip to Costa Rica where I visited my cousin and great friend Lindsey. While I was there I couldn't help but notice, and take pictures of, all the wonderful flowers and plants that surrounded the countryside.  Although I saw some old favorites like giant hydrangeas, I was delighted by all the new flora I saw on the volcanic mountainside of the rural community where I was staying.
Below are some pictures a little information about some new favorites I discovered. For a complete look of my pictures check out my facebook album ( http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100249691258653.2574760.14215383&l=80a0de8bbc&type=1 ).

Heliconia pendula 

Above and Below: The heliconia or false bird-of-paradise is a common flowering plant in Central America. It can also be found in the islands of the Pacific and Indonesia. These pictures were both taken at La Paz Waterfall Gardens where a variety of plants and animals of Costa Rica can be found along with gorgeous waterfalls.

Heliconia latispatha

Orange Crocosmia

Above: Fields of this beautiful orange flower grow wild all over the countryside and area great addition to any bouquet or floral arrangement. Below: This purple flower grew all over the trees
right outside of the house. I can't find the name of it anywhere but learned that it attracts hummingbirds. If anyone knows the name of this beautiful flowering tree please let me know!

Purple hummingbird flower

Canna lily

Above: A field of tall orange canna lilies on the hillside of La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This not a true lily but is in the Cannaceae family. The first time I saw this flower was at Longwood gardens in the rainbow walk and instantly fell in love with them. When I saw this abundance of fiery flora I knew I had to take a picture and try to capture the beauty to share with others.


What are some unique flowers or plants that you have seen while traveling?